NFC North Draft Grades

Chicago Bears Grade: B-
Best Pick: Stephen Paea DT Oregon State

The only reason this grade is so low is because of the lack of picks. Both Carimi and Paea are awesome picks by the bears, and if we are going purely on first two rounds they did about as good as anyone. Carimi should help their running game big time and Paea could be a pass-rushing force at DT. Their drafting of QB Nathan Enderle was very questionable...he has pro size but did not stand out in the way you would like to see small school guys stand out.

Detroit Lions Grade: B
Best Pick: Tie-Nick Fairley DT Auburn and Mikel LeShoure RB Illinois

A defensive line that was already becoming one of the better units in the league can now add another monster. They didn't address their secondary needs in the draft which is the only reason this is not an A. LeShoure reminds some of Rashard Mendenhall, I don't believe he has quite the burst, but there's no doubting that LeShoure is the best option that the Lions have as a primary back. I think he will be very productive and should help give Jahvid Best more of a breather.

Green Bay Packers Grade: B+
Best Pick: Randall Cobb WR Kentucky

There is no better GM in all of football than Ted Thompson. He assembles talent and his staff develops them better than any in the game. Sherrod, I don't think is ready to play from Day one, but is an extremely attractive package. With James Jones likely departing, Cobb fills that role--he is an explosive playmaker who when people look back--will wonder why he was taken so late. Alex Green is
an underrated running back who could provide a little explosiveness to James Starks between the tackles. 

Minnesota Vikings Grade: C
Best Pick: Brandon Burton CB Utah

When the best pick you make is your 4th rounder--that's not a good sign. Ponder was picked in the 1st round, the Vikings do need a QB terribly, but wouldn't they be better off waiting to take a guy that's ceiling is being compared to Chad Pennington? Christian Ballard is a nice pick, who I thought would go higher--and they need him with Pat Williams getting older and facing suspension. Also, they took some guy from Slippery Rock...really?!